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A former Columbus police detective might intend to plead not guilty by reason of insanity to
federal charges of attempted distribution of heroin, carrying a gun during a drug-trafficking crime
and money laundering.

Stevie Billups, 48, was a Columbus police officer for nearly 22 years until he was fired last
month.

Yesterday, his attorney, Mark C. Collins, filed a motion asking U.S. District Court to assess
whether there would be a medical basis for such a plea.

“Defense counsel’s interviews with the defendant and defendant’s family indicate the issue of
competency and a potential plea is relevant,” the motion says.

A federal complaint against Billups says he became involved with a suspected drug dealer
during frequent gambling trips to Hollywood Casino Columbus.

The drug suspect, as part of a sting operation by the FBI, had Billups protect him while he
picked up an illegal-drug payment and a car said to be loaded with heroin, the complaint says.

The complaint also says that Billups bought more than $100,000 worth of chips at Hollywood
Casino in less than a year and had been there more than 100 times, often during his work shift.